Strong winds expected Sunday evening; blizzard warning for Cascades
PORTLAND, Ore. – The strongest storm of the year is set to hit Oregon late Sunday, bringing with it high winds and heavy snow in the Cascades.
The National Weather Service has issued a “high wind warning” for most of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington that starts at 6 p.m. Sunday and lasts through noon on Monday.
“This is the strongest storm we’ve had this year,” said KATU meteorologist Dave Salesky.
In the Cascades, the NWS issued a rare "blizzard warning" starting at 6 p.m. Sunday, saying people should expect 1-2 feet of snow about 3,000 feet. Above 4,000 feet, 2-3 feet of snow is expected.
The heavy snow combined with strong winds will limit visibility, forecasters said.
On the coast and in the Willamette Valley, meteorologists say we could see winds between 25-40 miles per hour early, then picking up to 40-45 miles per hour after midnight. Gusts could hit 60 miles per hour.
Salesky said the ground is already saturated, which combined with high winds could cause trees to topple.
“There is most likely going to be a lot of power outages,” Salesky said.
The NWS also said that high-profile vehicles on I-5 and I-84 should also be prepared for strong winds.
Officials from the Oregon Department of Transportation also warned that drivers could encounter downed trees and powerlines along coastal and Coast Range roads. They warned people to delay trips to the coast if possible.
Early forecasts showed the brunt of the storm hitting the Seattle area, although on Sunday the forecast was revised with the storm making landfall on the Northern Oregon coast.
On Sunday evening, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue sent out this list of steps people should take to get ready for the storm:
- Charge cell phones and other essential battery operated devices ahead of time.
- In case of a power outage do not use gas, propane, or kerosene heating or cooking equipment designed for outdoor use indoors.
- Avoid using candles and open flames inside, especially during this holiday season and around Christmas trees.
- Keep flashlights, a battery powered radio, and a wind-up clock on hand.
- Stay away from windows during high winds. High wind can cause windows to break, or blow debris into the window.
- Use only wood in fireplaces and woodstoves.
- Try to remain indoors during periods of high winds. If you do find yourself caught outside, seek shelter and be especially alert to overhead hazards, such as tree limbs and power lines.
- If you encounter a downed power line, report it by calling 911 and keep people away. If a line should fall on a vehicle you are occupying, stay in the car. Call 911 and wait for help.
Weather resources:
I appollogize to VIPIIR. Give the system a Pat for me ..
It is 3:19 AM we are getting hit hard. seems like the wind dies then comes back with even vreater force. we have power but then again we have 2 substations.
Getting pounded right now in Gresham. Transformer just exploded somewhere. The folks criticizing the weather forecasters can eat crow.
Hey does an one know how the tree in Portland did? Did it survive the winds? Does it still have its lights intact?
My blow Santa is kissing the ground.
CRAAAAAAP. Guess we'll be leaving for boarding camp at 5:30 instead of 6:00. Ugh. I hope my kiddo realizes how much I love him.
power has turned off 3 times here...
Well that storm was short lived.. No damage here.
ok I have the "go Launcher weather app. weather is saying it is 40 F feels like 37
Hi of 41 chance of rain 100% wind 5.0 MPH ( I think there wind gauge is malfunctioning). SSWÂ
humidity is 91 percent sunrise is 7:49 AM Sunset is at 4:25 PM
 Published time was at 6:30 Pm
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Forcast for Monday Mon Snow showers high of 45 low of 32
Tue Snow showers high of 37 Low of 32
Wed Chance of snow high of 41 Low of 36
Fri Chance of rain High of 43 low of 32..
This was from the "Flying K" an old Airport that is no longer in use. The guy still has his weather system up and operational.
Sunday Night
Overcast with rain. Low of 45F. Windy. Winds from the SSW at 30 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph. Chance of rain 100% with rainfall amounts near 0.5 in. possible. Lets all panic because we believe everything the local mainstream mediums have to say as the absolute truth, OK??
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@boned good one, Mr. Cynic. A transformer just blew up down the street and I had to bungee my screen door to keep the wind from tipping it open. The local mediums..lol.
Getting windy and raining pretty good here in Gresham
Flying K ranch jsut issues a snow advisory for Tomorrow night?
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It is 6:55 Atomic Time on my hill in the hood and I cannot wait for something to happen. Yes, I have no reason to believe anything the press has to say about death, and destruction just because it makes press...
in kelso on hill winds have gone over 35 & increasing, temp 40.1. Will lose power & trees most likely. But we are as ready as we can.
@daisy Oh man you must have lost power right before you typed "be".Â
 @Pixsure Syence  Shame on you!! You only have nine more points than 'daisy' and most likely less after this...
 @boned  @Pixsure Syence No there is a (.) after can.
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It has arrived.
 @lee986321 Where are you?
 @jac666 In the Longview Castle rock area, the winds are starting and increasing.
 @jac666 That was before our son came along.
 @jac666 Temps just went to 43 I have an out door probe that transmits to Atomic clock with built in thermometer.. I wanted the weather set..Fiance gave me that glare and said No :(.
Storm Prep : Check list
UPS (Uninterrupted power supply ). Check
Fuel for BBQ grill in case of power failure Check
Water good an tasty..its rain water lol
inverter tested and checked
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Blow up Santa and snow man tied down and anchored.
UFO flying over head..Ok its a friendly
formula pre-mixed for son.
Dog Food
Cat food
Solar devices charged and operational
Car full of gas check
batteries in cable converter operational and at full capacity.
Wireless router external battery pack Check and fully charged
Re-Routs to UPS checked and confirmed "hot" and ready to go if need be.
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All systems appear to be go.
Weapons are online and ready
Lets launch this ship.
 @lee986321 In our case since we live in the cascades, the check list includes 15 gls gas for the generator, drop cords checked, making sure the wicks and fuel oil level in the old fashion glass lamps are ready to light..Â
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I have a wood stove to cook on as well as heat the house. If the power goes out, we are fine for several day's. Then its a case of it happens it happens, if it doesn't great!
 @Khre'Riov Ael i-Mhiessan t'Rllaillieu I live in an apartment.. I can't use a wood stove but I can run a generator..if any neighbor complains.. screw em.. at least We still be comfy.. But I really do need to invest in a generator, I can use a fuel cell to power it..that is not a joke.
 @lee986321  We bought a onan and its great.. does the job nicely. But I have a aquarium, and two ponds to run as well as light, wood stove etc. I can even hook up my computer & tv etc if need be. Just remember, a generator needs vented though.. the exhaust is deadly.  Probably a small to mid size would get you by! One with a 220 plug to keep the fridge going! :)
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My freezers and extra fridge sit on the back porch/garage along with the generator, so I never worry about them, keep em closed as its usually cold enough to keep them from thawing here.Â
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It has started snowing again and I have a ton of debris in yard. ;PÂ Windy still out too!
 @Khre'Riov Ael i-Mhiessan t'Rllaillieu Hmm Speaking of Elephants I new a guy that once had an entire collection of African animals.. had a license for every one of them. though they were Taxidermy of coarse He was working on a room for a real life sized Elephant..He also had a head of an Elephant that sprayed water on unsuspecting kids .. He taught school kids about the critters in Africa, and when I say an entire safari that included snakes and other reptiles and amphibians as well. He had arrangement with the Natives. They get the meat, he gets the trophies. He later committed suicide.
I won't go into the details as to why.
 @Khre'Riov Ael i-Mhiessan t'Rllaillieu City dwellers like me use propane and my only concern is the 150 foot pine trees that surround my hood since none of us own a chainsaw...
We lost power around 2 am, the son & DIL lost it earlier and came down to the house. Its trying to snow again here too this morning! So its just not a unusual winter happening here. Sometimes as high as 2 weeks- not unusual in itself..  Wood stove is rather a item one has, or pellet with generator to run the fans up here. I also have a stand lamp we use and only use the oil lamps in hallway and bathroom, two small ones for the bedrooms. We fixed the fan cord on the wood stove for quick change over in this case, and I can help that with a another fan to help circulate. We stayed toasty!
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Yup, I can understand the concern of the tree's.. we too have those worry's. My yard is looking like debris central this morning and didn't hear anything go down last night short of branch's. Chainsaw's are another item it sort of is just common sense to have! Sometimes you have to cut your way home or out of..  Â
In Sandy - just rain. Â Hopefully the hill will get a few feet of snow tonight. Â Could live without the wind, though.
Rudolph with your nose so bright won't you guide my sleigh next week.
Well Nothing yet. what ever it was it has passed. were calm light wind at 42 we never did hit the high.
@lee986321 Did you read the article??? The storm hasn't hit yet...not due until around 6pm...it's now only 3:36. So nothing has passed...just hasn't arrived yet. Sheeesh...
 @fracas  @lee986321 Shh don't jinx it.. if we say it won't happen it will ...If we say it will happen then it won't. So please don't jinx it .. I just hope we get warming temps..cause if temps go down then were really in trouble.
@lee986321 lol. You mean that storm that is here. I don't want to see or experience that "elephant". I'm going to to keep hiding in my closet. ;)Â
 @iKisSeDaFrOgOnCe Oh and there is an elephant that is in your room..lol..
 @iKisSeDaFrOgOnCe LOL, no I just like to have fun and kid around ..I am how ever the type of person that when angered I do wish for a storm..
 @lee986321 I bet you're the kind of person that doesn't talk about the elephant in room. lol. You can't jinx something by talking about it, you can put something in the back of your mind, but whatever it is, it's there. You can't make it go away by not talking/thinking about it.
Light winds, dark grey out, light rain. Winds are picking up as we speak.
Oops forgot to say where I am, I am in South Salem
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Drama, your table is ready. Drama?
in kelso hills about 1000 feet now 39degrees and rain but I expect this to drop over night should be interesting evening
 @daisy indeed. You lucky one.
What direction will the wind be blowing? ? !!
Nothing but a light rain.
We are experiencing increasing winds winds. the time is 1:30 PM.
We are currently having Light rain In Longview/ Castle Rock WA area.
Looks like maybe the beginning..hard to say..
Oh Our temp is 42 and has been that since 10:00 am
correction just hit 43
There is some disagreement in the computer forecast models. Â The way KATU has been bragging about their new VIPIR system and how good it is, I thought it had taken the guess work out of forecasting. Â Sounds like they wasted a bunch of money for nothing.